Last month, I was honored to have the opportunity to meet with Governor Maggie Hassan, along with several other members of the N.H. School Library Media Association. Governor Hassan spoke with us about her belief that libraries and librarians are the center of information access in a democratic society. She also spoke about her father, a former public school history teacher, and the unique role school librarians play in the education of today's students.
When asked, I commented that even our youngest students are learning how important it is to find good, reliable facts in an increasingly information-saturated world. I spoke about how Underhill students know there is more to the Internet than Google, and that evaluating a source is a skill that has become a priority for identifying dependable information.
After our discussion, Governor Hassan signed a Proclamation as follows:
"WHEREAS, libraries are the heart of their communities, campuses and schools;
WHEREAS; librarians work to meet the changing needs of their communities, including providing resources for everyone and bringing services outside of library walls;
WHEREAS, libraries and librarians bring together community members to enrich and shape the community and address local issues;
WHEREAS, librarians are trained, tech-savvy professionals, linking libraries and making resources more easily accessible for library users around the world;
WHEREAS, in a world undergoing constant change, libraries provide enduring connections to the past and future of our communities, nations and civilizations;
WHEREAS, libraries continuously grow and evolve in how they provide for the needs of every member of their communities;
WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, library workers and supporters across America are celebrating National Library Week. Libraries are part of the American Dream - places for opportunity, education, self-help and lifelong learning.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I Governor Margaret Hassan proclaim Support Your Library Week, April 13-19, 2014. Communities matter at your library. I encourage all citizens to take advantage of the wonderful library resources available. Visit the library and see why there's something for everyone at your library."
